Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia VII Ordinary Meeting of the COMCYT Working Group Technological Development Project Proposal REDPAOS OCTOBER 2012

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia B ACKGROUND REDPAOS The Working Group (WG4) in Technology Development of the OAS led by Colombia has been working for over a year As a result of three video- conferences it was agreed to hold a Seminar in Bogota the of September on specific proposal of Cooperation in Technological Development

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia As a result of the Seminar of Cooperation the member countries agreed to participate in a project that incorporates the priorities of the region. By unanimous decision of the countries of the Working Group it was agreed to present the Project Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS. B ACKGROUND REDPAOS

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS REDPAOS is a dynamic mechanism to coordinate stakeholders of different sectors (University – Government – SMEs and Industry) with the purpose of promoting innovation, international cooperation, technological transference and exchange of experiences and knowledge at a regional level in order to strengthen organic and sustainable agricultural production. Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS Objective: To strengthen innovation and technological development for the production and marketing of organic, sustainable and eco-friendly products in order to boost a greater competitiveness of the agroalimentary/food industry sector. To contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region. Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS BENEFICIARIES: Farmers SMEs Buyers (restaurants, supermarkets, service shops) Consumers (general public) Cooperatives / chambers of commerce / trade associations Universities R&D centers Investors (venture capital) Institutional market (Hospitals, Official Schools, Armed Forces) Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS SERVICES STAGE I: Database of suppliers and consumers, and any interested people in strengthen the supply chain of socially responsible and organic products. To match industry needs with offers from suppliers. To disseminate prospective studies. Access to calls of Regional Projects Links to Networks, Forums, and National, Regional & International Technological Platforms Disclosure of academic and STI-positioning articles Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS SERVICES STAGE II: Inventory of Regional Projects Access to information and training resources in intellectual property and trademark registration. More tools for legislators for the definition and update of policies Disclosure of Regional Events Newsletters Discussion Forums Support for the strengthening of supply chains (collection centers) Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS Expected Results Design and release of the platform (webpage) Integration of contents to the platform Creation of databases/directories of suppliers of socially responsible products and agricultural products and consumers. Identification of funding opportunities for technological development and innovation. Creation of specific funds for projects and operations. Skills enhancement of SMEs. Disclosure of calls in participant countries. Creation and operation of thematic networks which promote portfolios of collaborative projects. Execution of Projects Enhancement of the products´ traceability Business rounds in technological development, innovation and entrepreneurship. Researchers mobility Increase of competitiveness Adaptation of the Market Marker approach.

Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia REDPAOS FUNDING: Branding and structural design of the webpage of the project, including its registration, with the contributions from the countries. STI Councils/Ministries/ National Secretariats Start and daily functional activities (contributions from STI Councils/Ministries/National Secretariats). USD$5.000 annually per country. Each country will be responsible for implementing its parts and contributions. It is necessary that each country will fund its own team members in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives. Network of Innovation for Agro industrial and Sustainable SMEs REDPAOS

Thank you. Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e innovación Colciencias República de Colombia